Strachan early favourite for Scotland job

Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has emerged as the early frontrunner to succeed Craig Levein as Scotland manager.

Strachan has been out of football management since leaving Middlesbrough in 2010, but bookmakers in Scotland were slashing their odds on the former Manchester United midfielder making a return in the cause of national duty following Levein's departure.

Scottish FA chiefs defended their four-day consultation period that preceded news of the national team coach being sacked on Monday, with SFA chief Stewart Regan explaining the manner of his exit.

"Craig was kept fully informed of the events of recent days and as a board, we had every right to ask for more information to make sure we made the right decision for Scottish football," argued Regan.

Former Rangers and Scotland manager Alex McLeish is also in the frame to make a return his old job, while recently sacked Bolton boss Owen Coyle is another believed to be under consideration for what has become one of the toughest jobs in international football.

Scotland currently sit bottom of their World Cup qualifying Group A and find themselves lagging behind Libya and the Cape Verde Islands in the latest FIFA rankings list.